{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Houston's First Baptist Church","title":"Faith","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2162,"description":"In this service the pastor begins by explaining that he will not preach a full sermon, offering instead a brief word of encouragement and a preview of upcoming messages on topics such as angels, the secret of happiness, and the character of Christ. He then turns to Hebrews chapter 11, describing faith as “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Using the biblical examples of Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, and many others, he illustrates how faith enabled these people to trust God’s promises even when the outcomes were unseen. The pastor emphasizes that without faith it is impossible to please God, and he urges the congregation to lay aside sin and run the race of Christian life with perseverance.\n\nThe talk transitions into a practical ministry update. The pastor shares recent financial blessings, including large pledges and weekly offerings, and then presents a major building project for the First Baptist Church. He outlines the proposed contract with a construction firm, the financing plan involving a loan from Gibraltar Savings and Loan, and the projected costs, timelines, and debt service. After a brief procedural segment—motions, seconding, discussion, and voting—the congregation is asked to approve the contract for a new facility that will accommodate thousands of worshippers. The service concludes with a call to faithful giving, a reminder of the church’s collective commitment, and an invitation to sing a hymn as a benediction.","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/o5yzRQYlXr9ParDz0W15WXJmDEyj_QNDo8tzYNqSRoc/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS8wN2Ew/Yjg4MTI1YTdmNDVi/Mjc2NWZiNDkwYTBi/OTU4MS5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}